U.S. patent application number 16/936645 was filed with the patent office on 2020-11-12 for tangential air cleaner with coiled filter cartridge.
This patent application is currently assigned to Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.. The applicant listed for this patent is Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.. Invention is credited to Robert A. Bannister, Jeremiah Cupery, Peter K. Herman, Arun P. Janakiraman, Matthew Louison, Jason A. Scherck, Scott W. Schwartz.
Application Number | 20200353483 16/936645 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000004975117 |
Filed Date | 2020-11-12 |
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United States Patent
Application |
20200353483 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Bannister; Robert A. ; et
al. |
November 12, 2020 |
TANGENTIAL AIR CLEANER WITH COILED FILTER CARTRIDGE
Abstract
Filtration systems having a tangential air cleaner having a
coiled media filter element and a cyclonic pre-cleaner are
described. An outer wall of the filter element acts as a
pre-cleaner sleeve of the housing to generate a cyclonic flow of
the intake air prior to the intake air being filtered by the filter
element. The housing cover includes geometry that redirects the
cyclonic low from a tangential path to an axial, straight-through
flow directed through an inlet flow face of the filter element.
Various embodiments of such filtration systems offer increased
filter performance and capacity compared to similarly sized
cylindrical pleated filter elements having a radial flow filtering
path.
Inventors: |
Bannister; Robert A.; (Ames,
IA) ; Janakiraman; Arun P.; (Stoughton, WI) ;
Herman; Peter K.; (Stoughton, WI) ; Schwartz; Scott
W.; (Cottage Grove, WI) ; Cupery; Jeremiah;
(Madison, WI) ; Louison; Matthew; (McFarland,
WI) ; Scherck; Jason A.; (Madison, WI) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Cummins Filtration IP, Inc. |
Columbus |
IN |
US |
|
|
Assignee: |
Cummins Filtration IP, Inc.
Columbus
IN
|
Family ID: |
1000004975117 |
Appl. No.: |
16/936645 |
Filed: |
July 23, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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15766945 |
Apr 9, 2018 |
10737282 |
|
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PCT/US16/56386 |
Oct 11, 2016 |
|
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16936645 |
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62240296 |
Oct 12, 2015 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
B01D 46/10 20130101;
B04C 2009/002 20130101; B01D 35/147 20130101; B01D 45/12 20130101;
B01D 46/002 20130101; F02M 35/0223 20130101; B04C 3/06 20130101;
B04C 3/04 20130101; B01D 50/002 20130101; F02M 35/0216 20130101;
B01D 46/525 20130101; B01D 46/0046 20130101; B01D 46/521 20130101;
B01D 46/106 20130101 |
International
Class: |
B04C 3/06 20060101
B04C003/06; B01D 45/12 20060101 B01D045/12; B04C 3/04 20060101
B04C003/04; B01D 46/00 20060101 B01D046/00; B01D 46/10 20060101
B01D046/10; B01D 50/00 20060101 B01D050/00; F02M 35/022 20060101
F02M035/022; F02M 35/02 20060101 F02M035/02 |
Claims
1-11. (canceled)
12. A filtration system comprising: a pre-cleaner housing
comprising an inlet configured to receive air to be filtered and a
swirling device configured to cause the air to move through the
pre-cleaner housing along a swirling flow path; a filter housing
positioned downstream of the pre-cleaner housing in an air flow
direction and configured to receive the air from the pre-cleaner
housing, the filter housing comprising an outlet positioned
downstream of the pre-cleaner housing and a central compartment
positioned between the pre-cleaner housing and the outlet; and a
filter element positioned in the central compartment, the filter
element comprising filter media and a vortex finder, the filter
media configured to filter the air as the air flows through the
filter housing, the vortex finder that comprises a wall that
extends from an inlet face of the filter media into the pre-cleaner
housing that prevents contaminant separated from the air by the
swirling flow path from entering the filter media.
13. The filtration system of claim 12, wherein the swirling device
comprises at least one vane or fin.
14. The filtration system of claim 12, wherein the pre-cleaner
housing further comprises a dust outlet configured to transport the
contaminants separated from the air by the swirling flow path out
of the pre-cleaner housing.
15. The filtration system of claim 12, wherein the vortex finder
comprises a handle.
16. The filtration system of claim 12, wherein the vortex finder
comprises a plurality of de-swirl vanes.
17. A filter element comprising: filter media configured to filter
air as the air flows through a filter housing of a filtration
system when the filter element is installed in the filtration
system; and a vortex finder comprising a wall, the vortex finder
configured to extend from an inlet face of the filter media into a
pre-cleaner housing of the filtration system when the filter
element is installed in the filtration system, the vortex finder
configured to prevent contaminant separated from the air upstream
of the filter element from entering the filter media.
18. The filter element of claim 17, wherein the vortex finder
comprises a handle.
19. The filter element of claim 17, wherein the vortex finder
comprises a plurality of de-swirl vanes.
Description
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent
Application No. 62/240,296, entitled "TANGENTIAL AIR CLEANER WITH
COILED FILTER CARTRIDGE," filed on Oct. 12, 2015, which is herein
incorporated by reference in its entirety and for all purposes.
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0002] The present application relates to filtration systems.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Internal combustion engines generally combust a mixture of
fuel (e.g., gasoline, diesel, natural gas, etc.) and air. Prior to
entering the engine, intake air is typically passed through a
filter element to remove contaminants (e.g., particulates, dust,
water, etc.) from the intake air prior to delivery to the engine.
Many filtration systems utilize a pre-cleaner to remove a portion
of the contaminants prior to the intake air passing through a
filter element. For example, in filtration systems that utilize a
pleated cylindrical filter element, intake air can be circulated
around the filter element in a cyclonic pre-cleaner prior to
passing radially through the cylindrical filter element. However,
the use of cyclonic pre-cleaners with axial flow filter elements,
such as coiled filter cartridges, cause substantial pressure drop,
thereby reducing the performance of the filtration system.
SUMMARY
[0004] Various example embodiments relate to an air filtration
system. One such system includes a housing defining a central
compartment therein. The housing includes a radial air inlet and an
axial air outlet positioned near a first end of the housing. The
system further includes a cover removably coupled to a second end
of the housing. The system includes a filter element positioned
within the central compartment of the housing. The filter element
includes a wound filter media. The filter element is arranged for
axial flow filtration such that air to be filtered flows into a
first axial face of the filter element, flows through the filter
media, and flows out of the filter element at a second axial face
of the filter element. The system further includes a plurality of
de-swirl vanes positioned on the cover. The plurality of de-swirl
vanes routing a flow of air into the filter element by changing the
flow of air from a swirling flow to an axial flow towards the first
axial face of the filter element.
[0005] Another example embodiment relates to a filtration system.
The filtration system includes a pre-cleaner housing comprising an
inlet configured to receive air to be filtered and a swirling
device configured to cause the air to move through the pre-cleaner
housing along a swirling flow path. The filtration system further
includes a filter housing positioned downstream of the pre-cleaner
housing in an air flow direction and configured to receive the air
from the pre-cleaner housing. The filter housing comprises an
outlet positioned downstream of the pre-cleaner housing and a
central compartment positioned between the pre-cleaner housing and
the outlet. The filtration system includes a filter element
positioned in the central compartment. The filter element comprises
filter media and a vortex finder. The filter media is configured to
filter the air as the air flows through the filter housing. The
vortex finder that comprises a wall that extends from an inlet face
of the filter media into the pre-cleaner housing that prevents
contaminant separated from the air by the swirling flow path from
entering the filter media.
[0006] A further example embodiment relates to a filter element.
The filter element includes filter media configured to filter air
as the air flows through a filter housing of a filtration system
when the filter element is installed in the filtration system. The
filter element further includes a vortex finder comprising a wall.
The vortex finder is configured to extend from an inlet face of the
filter media into a pre-cleaner housing of the filtration system
when the filter element is installed in the filtration system. The
vortex finder is configured to prevent contaminant separated from
the air upstream of the filter element from entering the filter
media.
[0007] These and other features, together with the organization and
manner of operation thereof, will become apparent from the
following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the
accompanying drawings, wherein like elements have like numerals
throughout the several drawings described below.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0008] FIG. 1 shows a side view of an air filtration system
according to an example embodiment.
[0009] FIGS. 2 through 5 show various cross-sectional views of the
air filtration system of FIG. 1.
[0010] FIGS. 6 and 7 show top views of de-swirl vane arrangements
of the air filtration system of FIG. 1.
[0011] FIG. 8 shows a cross sectional view of the air filtration
system of FIG. 1 fitted with a circumferential extension around the
filter element.
[0012] FIGS. 9 through 15 show example air flow and pressure drop
analyses comparing air filtration systems having de-swirl vanes and
air filtration systems without de-swirl vanes.
[0013] FIG. 16 shows a close up perspective view of the de-swirl
vanes of the air filtration system of FIG. 1.
[0014] FIG. 17 shows a cross-sectional view of an air filtration
system according to another example embodiment.
[0015] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of an air filtration
system according to a further example embodiment.
[0016] FIG. 19 shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system
according to an example embodiment.
[0017] FIG. 20 shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system
according to another example embodiment.
[0018] FIG. 21 shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system
according to a further example embodiment.
[0019] FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system
according to an additional example embodiment.
[0020] FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system
according to an example embodiment.
[0021] FIG. 24 shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system
according to another example embodiment.
[0022] FIG. 25A shows a top view of a vortex finder according to an
example embodiment.
[0023] FIG. 25B shows a cross-sectional view of the vortex finder
of FIG. 25A.
[0024] FIG. 26A shows a top view of a vortex finder according to
another example embodiment. FIG. 26B shows a cross-sectional view
of the vortex finder of FIG. 26A.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0025] Referring to the figures generally, filtration systems
having a tangential air cleaner having a coiled media filter
element and a cyclonic pre-cleaner are described. An outer wall of
the filter element acts as a pre-cleaner sleeve of the housing to
generate a cyclonic flow of the intake air prior to the intake air
being filtered by the filter element. The housing cover includes
geometry that redirects the cyclonic flow from a tangential path to
an axial, straight-through flow directed through an inlet flow face
of the filter element. Various embodiments of such filtration
systems offer increased filter performance and capacity compared to
similarly sized cylindrical pleated filter elements having a radial
flow filtering path. In other arrangements, various embodiments
described herein relate to a filter element having an integrated
vortex finder. In such arrangements, the vortex finder is
integrated into an endcap or into a support structure of the filter
element rather than being part of the pre-cleaner housing.
[0026] Referring to FIG. 1, a side view of an air filtration system
100 is shown according to an example embodiment. The air filtration
system 100 includes a cylindrical housing 102 forming a central
compartment. The housing 102 includes a radial air inlet 104 and an
axial air outlet 106. The radial air inlet 104 and the axial air
outlet 106 are positioned near a first end of the housing 102. The
housing 102 includes a cover 108. The cover 108 is removably
coupled to a second end of the housing 102. The second end of the
housing 102 is opposite the first end of the housing 102. The cover
108 includes a dust ejection port 110. A cylindrical filter element
112 is positioned within the central compartment of the housing
102. The cylindrical filter element 112 includes a wound filter
media and is arranged for axial flow filtration. That is, air to be
filtered flows into a first axial face of the filter element 112
(i.e., the inlet face of the filter element 112), the air passes
through the wound filter media, and filtered air exits the filter
element through a second axial face of the filter element 112
(i.e., the outlet face of the filter element 112). The second axial
face of the filter element 112 is positioned adjacent to the axial
air outlet 106. The first axial face of the filter element 112 is
positioned adjacent to the cover 108.
[0027] In some arrangements, the filter element 112 is formed by a
strip of filter media coaxially wound about a central axis of the
filter element 112. The strip includes a pervious center corrugated
sheet of filter media (e.g., a corrugated sheet) that defines a
plurality of air flow channels extending parallel to the central
axis. The filter media includes a first pervious facing sheet of
flat filter media is disposed on a first side of the corrugated
sheet for defining a first plurality of axial air flow channels
with the first side of the corrugated sheet. The filter media
includes a second pervious facing sheet of filter media disposed on
a second side of the corrugated sheet for defining a second
plurality of axial air flow chambers with the second side of the
corrugated sheet. The formed axial air flow channels extend from a
first face of the filter media (e.g., the inlet face of the filter
element 112) to a second face of the filter media (e.g., the outlet
face of the filter element 112). Each of the plurality of axial air
flow channels are alternately sealed at the first face of the
filter media or the second face of the filter media such that air
flowing into a first axial air flow channel must pass through the
filter media to an adjacent, second axial air flow channel to exit
the filter media.
[0028] In other arrangements, the filter element 112 is formed from
a filter media having tetrahedron-shaped features and flat media
that is rolled or layered to form the filter element 112. In such
arrangements, the filter element 112 includes an upstream inlet and
a downstream outlet. The filter media is pleated along a plurality
of bend lines. The bend lines extend axially along an axial
direction and include a first set of bend lines extending from the
upstream inlet axially towards the downstream outlet, and a second
set of bend lines extending from the downstream outlet axially
towards the upstream inlet. The filter element 112 includes a
plurality of wall segments extending in serpentine manner between
the bend lines. The wall segments extend axially and define axial
channels there between. The channels have a height along a
transverse direction that is perpendicular to the axial direction.
The channels having a lateral width along a lateral direction that
is perpendicular to the axial direction and perpendicular to the
transverse direction. At least some of the bend lines taper in the
transverse direction as they extend axially in the axial direction.
The wall segments extend in the serpentine manner and define a
laterally extending serpentine span having a first wall segment
laterally adjacent a second wall segment and joined thereto by a
first bend line and continuing in the serpentine manner along the
serpentine span to a third wall segment laterally adjacent the
second wall segment and joined thereto by a second bend line, and
so on along the serpentine span. The serpentine span extends along
the lateral direction such that the taper of the bend lines
tapering in the transverse direction is perpendicular to the
serpentine span along the lateral direction. The wall segments
include a first set of wall segments alternately sealed to each
other at the upstream inlet to define a first set of channels
having open upstream ends, and a second set of channels
interdigitated with the first set of channels and having closed
upstream ends. The wall segments include a second set of wall
segments alternately sealed to each other at the downstream outlet
to define a third set of channels having closed downstream ends,
and a fourth set of channels interdigitated with the third set of
channels and having open downstream ends. The first set of bend
lines include a first subset of bend lines that define the first
set of channels, and a second subset of bend lines that define the
second set of channels. The second subset of bend lines taper in
the transverse direction as they extend from the upstream inlet
axially towards the downstream outlet. The second set of bend lines
includes a third subset of bend lines that define the third set of
channels. A fourth subset of bend lines defines the fourth set of
channels. The fourth subset of bend lines taper in the transverse
direction as they extend from the downstream outlet axially towards
the upstream inlet. A detailed description of the above-described
tetrahedron filter media can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 8,397,920,
which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety and for
all purposes.
[0029] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, air to be filtered enters the
filtration system 100 through the radial air inlet 104 and follows
flow path 202. The air impacts the sidewall of the filter element
112. The air is then routed around the filter element 112 in a
swirling manner as shown by flow path 202 because the filter
element 112 is an axial flow filter element, not a radial flow
filter element. In some arrangements, the sidewall of the filter
element 112 is an impermeable sleeve that protects the outer
surface of the filter element 112 from damage during shipping and
installation. In other arrangements, the side wall of the filter
element 112 is composed of permeable filter media. In such
arrangements, a small quantity of the air may pass through the
filter element side wall. The swirling flow path 202 separates at
least a portion of the contaminants (shown as arrow 302) from the
air, such as dust and dirt, through the centrifugal force generated
by the swirling air flow. The separated contaminants fall to the
dust ejection port 110. Accordingly, the swirling flow path 202
functions as a cyclonic pre-cleaner.
[0030] Referring to FIGS. 3 through 7, the cover 108 includes a
plurality of de-swirl vanes 304. Accordingly, as the tangential
flow approaches the second end of the housing 102, the inner edge
of the air flow engages the de-swirl vanes 304 of the cover 108.
The de-swirl vanes 304 route the air towards the first axial face
(i.e., the inlet face) of the filter element 112 by changing the
direction of the flow path 202 from a tangential swirling flow
(e.g., as shown in flow path 202 as best seen in FIGS. 2 and 3)
into an axial flow (as shown by arrows 306). Accordingly, the
de-swirl vanes 304 align the air flow for entrance into the first
axial face of the filter element 112 such that the air can be
filtered by the filter element 112. In doing so, the de-swirl vanes
304 convert at least a portion of the swirling flow velocity head
back to pressure by redirecting flow into the filter element 112
inlet face thereby reducing the air flow pressure drop caused by
the filtration system 100. Further, the de-swirl vanes 304 prevent
Rankine vortex formation within the housing 102. In some
arrangements (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 4-6), the de-swirl vanes 304
are spiral in shape (e.g., log-spiral, hyperbolic spiral, or the
like). In other arrangements, the de-swirl vanes 304 are planar in
shape and radially offset (e.g., as shown in FIG. 7). In further
arrangements, the de-swirl vanes 304 include splitter vanes 702
that provide for a high density of vanes without requiring
expensive manufacturing costs.
[0031] Referring again to FIG. 3, the cover 108 includes an
extension portion 308. The extension portion 308 engages a mandrel
310 of the filter element 112 to align and secure the filter
element 112 within the housing 102. When the cover 108 is secured
to the housing 102 (e.g., via a snap-fit connection), the cover 108
holds the filter element 112 to prevent back off from a sealing
surface 312 of the housing 102. A seal member (e.g., a polyurethane
seal) forms a seal between the filter element 112 and the housing
102 thereby preventing bypass of the air from the radial air inlet
104 to the axial outlet 106.
[0032] Referring to FIG. 8, in some arrangements, the filter
element 112 includes a circumferential extension 802. The
circumferential extension 802 is coupled to the filter element 112
at the inlet axial face of the filter element 112. The
circumferential extension 802 comprises a locating flow direction
ring. The circumferential extension 802 engages with outer portions
of the de-swirl vanes 304 of the cover 108 to help center the
filter element 112 with respect to the cover 108 (e.g., as shown in
section 804). Additionally, the circumferential wall of the
circumferential extension 802 is angled away from the central axis
of the filter element 112. The angled circumferential wall assists
in diverting the pre-cleaned contaminant out of the air flow and
towards the inner wall of the housing 102 before the air is
redirected, by the de-swirl vanes 304, towards and into the first
axial face of the filter element 112.
[0033] As discussed above, the inclusion of the de-swirl vanes 304
reduces the pressure drop caused by the filtration system 100.
FIGS. 9 through 15 provide example air flow analyses showing the
reduced pressure drop in filtration systems employing the de-swirl
vanes 304. As shown in FIG. 9, a line graph 900 of non-dimensional
pressure loss vs. non-dimensional flow rate is shown for two
filtration systems: a first filtration system having de-swirl vanes
(X) and a second filtration system without de-swirl vanes (O). The
first filtration system may be, for example, filtration system 100.
As such, the first filtration system includes de-swirl vanes (e.g.,
de-swirl vanes 304). The second filtration system is substantially
the same as the first filtration system (in arrangement, size, and
operating parameters), except the second system does not have
de-swirl vanes. As shown in graph 900, the second filtration system
experiences a higher non-dimensional pressure loss than the first
filtration system.
[0034] Referring to FIGS. 10 through 13, air flow diagrams of the
first filtration system and the second filtration system are shown
to further demonstrate the more efficient flow of the first
filtration system. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, which demonstrate
example air flow paths for the second filtration system without the
de-swirl vanes, the air flow enters the inlet face of the filter
element 112 in a swirling manner. This is not optimal because the
filter element 112 is an axial flow filter element. The non-optimal
air flow into the filter element 112 contributes to the increased
pressure drop of the second filtration system. As shown in FIGS. 12
and 13, which demonstrate example air flow paths for the first
filtration system having the de-swirl vanes 304, the air flow is
turned from a swirling flow into a substantially axial flow prior
to entering the inlet face of the filter element. Accordingly, when
the de-swirl vanes 304 are employed, the air enters the filter
element 112 in a more-optimal air flow path than in arrangements
without the de-swirl vanes 304.
[0035] Referring to FIGS. 14A and 14B, pressure contour analysis
diagrams are shown comparing the operational air pressures of the
first filtration system with the de-swirl vanes 304 (shown at 1404
in FIG. 14B) to the second filtration system without the de-swirl
vanes 304 (shown at 1402 in FIG. 14A). A scale of non-dimensional
pressures is shown at 1406. As shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B, the
first filtration system with the de-swirl vanes 304 experiences a
less drastic pressure drop at the inlet face of the filter element
than the second filtration system.
[0036] Referring to FIG. 15, a tangential velocity distribution
1500 taken at a plane midway between the filter element 112 inlet
and housing 102 end wall is shown for the first filtration system
(having the de-swirl vanes 304) and the second filtration system
(without the de-swirl vanes 304). As shown in the tangential
velocity distribution 1500, tangential velocity is reduced by the
de-swirl vanes 304 of the first filtration system (i.e., the
free-vortex core 1502) where non-dimensional V-tan approaches 1 is
suppressed.
[0037] Referring again to FIGS. 3 through 7, the de-swirl vanes 304
form guides that turn the air flow from the swirling air path 202
into the axial air path represented by arrows 306. As shown in FIG.
16, the leading edges 1602 of the de-swirl vanes 304 are oriented
such that the relative angle 9 between the flow vectors of the air
flow and the leading edges 1602 is between zero degrees and ten
degrees. In some arrangements, relative angle 9 between the flow
vectors of the air flow and the leading edges 1602 is zero degrees
and causes minimal flow separation.
[0038] Referring to FIG. 17, a cross-sectional view of a filtration
system 1700 is shown according to an example embodiment. The
filtration system 1700 is similar to the above-described filtration
system 100. As such, like numbering is used to describe shared
components between the filtration systems 100 and 1700. The primary
difference between filtration systems 1700 and 100 is that
filtration system 1700 includes additional circumferential vanes
1702 surrounding a portion of the filter element 112. In some
arrangements, the circumferential vanes 1702 cover an entire
circumference of the filter element 112 around the portion of the
filter element. The circumferential vanes 1702 create or enhance
the tangential, swirling air flow path (e.g., path 202 shown in
FIGS. 2 and 3). In some arrangements, the circumferential vanes
1702 are coupled to the filter element 112. In other arrangements,
the circumferential vanes 1702 are coupled to the inner wall of the
housing 102. In each arrangement, the circumferential vanes 1702
also assist in centering the filer element 112 within the housing
102 during installation of the filter element 112. The
circumferential vanes 1702 also allow the radial air inlet 104 to
be repositioned as a straight-radial inlet, a partially offset
radial inlet, or a fully tangential radial inlet because the air
flow will be reoriented by the circumferential vanes 1702 to create
the tangential swirling air flow path used for pre-cleaning.
[0039] FIG. 18 shows a cross-sectional view of a filtration system
1800 according to another example embodiment. The filtration system
1800 includes a housing 1802 having an inlet 1804 and an outlet
1806. The filtration system 1800 also includes two parallel stacked
or nested coiled filter elements 1808 and 1810. The stacked or
nested coiled filter elements 1808 and 1810 each are cylindrical
filter elements including a wound filter media and are each
arranged for axial flow filtration. That is, air to be filtered
flows into a first axial face (i.e., an inlet face) of each of the
filter elements 1808 and 1810, the air passes through the wound
filter media, and filtered air exits the filter element through a
second axial face (i.e., an outlet face) of each of the filter
elements 1808 and 1810. The stacked or nested arrangement of the
coiled filter elements 1808 and 1810 provides for increased dust
capacity while avoiding excessively long axial filter dimensions
over single filter element filtration systems (e.g., filtration
systems 100 and 1700).
[0040] The inlet 1804 of the filtration system 1800 is shifted
axially away from the filter elements 1808 and 1810 as compared to
the radial air inlets 104 of filtration systems 100 and 1700. The
inlet 1804 is given a sculpted involute air flow shape to establish
a swirling air flow. Since the inlet 1804 is shifted axially away
from the filter elements 1808 and 1810, the air flow is allowed to
form the swirling flow without excessive pinch and pressure drop
caused by the narrow gap between the filter elements 1808 and 1810
and the inner housing wall 1802 (e.g., as experienced in filtration
systems 100 and 1700). The reduction of the pinch and pressure drop
allows for a smaller radial gap between the housing 1802 and the
filter elements 1808 and 1810.
[0041] Similar to filtration systems 100 and 1700, the filtration
system 1800 includes de-swirl vanes 1812. The de-swirl vanes 1812
are positioned along the housing 1802 at positions adjacent to the
inlet faces of the filter elements 1808 and 1810. The de-swirl
vanes 1812 change the direction of the flow path from a tangential
swirling flow (e.g., as shown in flow path 202 as best seen in
FIGS. 2 and 3) into an axial flow toward the first axial faces of
the filter elements 1808 and 1810. Accordingly, the de-swirl vanes
1812 align the air flow for entrance into the first axial faces
(i.e., the inlet faces) of the filter elements 1808 and 1810.
[0042] The above-described filtration systems 100, 1700, and 1800
are described and shown as using substantially cylindrical filter
elements. However, the filtration systems can be modified to accept
other shaped filter elements such as oval or racetrack shape
elements. The above-described filtration systems 100, 1700, and
1800 are described and shown as using only primary filter elements.
However, the filtration systems 100, 1700, and 1800 can be designed
to accommodate a secondary filter element (e.g., a filter element
positioned after the primary filter element).
[0043] As described in further detail below with respect to FIGS.
19-26B, any of the above-described filter elements may be fitted
with a vortex finder that functions as a physical barrier to
prevent contaminants separated by a cyclonic pre-cleaner from
re-entering the intake air flow upstream of the filter element.
[0044] Referring to FIG. 19, a cross-sectional view of a filtration
system 1900 is shown according to an example embodiment. The
filtration system 1900 includes a pre-cleaner housing 1902 and a
filter housing 1904. The pre-cleaner housing 1902 is positioned
upstream of the filter housing 1904 in an air flow path direction
1906. The pre-cleaner housing 1902 includes an inlet 1908 that
receives air to be filtered. The filter housing 1904 includes an
outlet 1910 that provides filtered air to a component (e.g., an
internal combustion engine). The pre-cleaner housing 1902 is
structured to cause the air flowing into the pre-cleaner housing
1902 through the inlet 1908 to move through the pre-cleaner housing
1902 in a swirling flow path 1912. As such, the pre-cleaner housing
1902 may include at least one vane or fin 1914 to induce the
swirling flow of the air. The swirling flow path 1912 separates at
least a portion of the contaminants 1916 from the air, such as dust
and dirt, through the centrifugal force generated by the swirling
flow path 1912. The separated contaminants 1916 can be removed from
the pre-cleaner housing through a dust outlet 1918. Accordingly,
the pre-cleaner housing 1902 removes at least a portion of the
contaminants 1916 upstream of the filter housing 1904 and the
filter element 1920.
[0045] The filter housing 1904 forms a central compartment that is
structured to removably receive a filter element 1920. The filter
element 1920 includes filter media 1922 positioned between a first
end cap 1924 and a second end cap 1926. The filter media 1922 may
include any of the above-described filter media, including
tetrahedral filter media, fluted filter media, or the like. In some
arrangements, the filter element 1920 is a cylindrical filter
element, such as a coiled filter element in which the filter media
1922 is coiled (e.g., around a core, without a central core, etc.).
The filter element 1920 is an axial flow filter element in which
air to be filtered enters the filter element 1920 at or through the
first end cap 1924, flows through the filter media 1922, and exits
the filter element 1920 at the second end cap 1926. In some
arrangements, the first end cap 1924 and/or the second end cap 1926
include a seal that forms a seal against the filter housing 1904
and/or the pre-cleaner housing 1902 thereby preventing air from
bypassing the filter element 1920 as the air moves from the inlet
1908 to the outlet 1910 along the air flow path direction 1906. In
some arrangements, the first end cap 1924 and the second end cap
1926 are open end caps.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 19, the filter element 1920 includes a
vortex finder 1928. The vortex finder 1928 comprises a wall that
extends from an inlet face of the filter media 1922 or from the
first end cap and extends into the pre-cleaner housing 1902. In
arrangements where the filter element 1920 is a cylindrical filter
element, the vortex finder 1928 comprises a circumferential wall,
with the circumferential wall forming an uninterrupted loop (e.g.,
a circular uninterrupted loop). The vortex finder 1928 prevents
contaminant 1916 separated from the air in the pre-cleaner housing
1902 from entering the filter element 1920. The vortex finder 1928
may be integrated with the filter element 1920 (e.g., as a urethane
or overmolded part coupled to the first end cap 1924).
[0047] Referring to FIG. 20, a cross-sectional view of a filtration
system 2000 is shown according to an example embodiment. The
filtration system 2000 is similar to the filtration system 1900. A
primary difference between the filtration system 1900 and the
filtration system 2000 is the flow path through the filter element
and the arrangement of the vortex finder. The filtration system
2000 includes a pre-cleaner housing 2002 and a filter housing 2004.
The pre-cleaner housing 2002 is positioned upstream of the filter
housing 2004 in an air flow path direction 2006. The pre-cleaner
housing 2002 includes an inlet 2008 that receives air to be
filtered. The filter housing 2004 includes an outlet 2010 that
provides filtered air to a component (e.g., an internal combustion
engine). The pre-cleaner housing 2002 is structured to cause the
air flowing into the pre-cleaner housing 2002 through the inlet
2008 to move through the pre-cleaner housing 2002 in a swirling
flow path (e.g., in a similar manner as described above with
respect to the filtration system 1900). As such, the pre-cleaner
housing 2002 may include at least one vane or fin to induce the
swirling flow of the air. The swirling flow path separates at least
a portion of the contaminants 2016 from the air, such as dust and
dirt, through the centrifugal force generated by the swirling air
flow path. The separated contaminants 2016 can be removed from the
pre-cleaner housing through a dust outlet 2018. Accordingly, the
pre-cleaner housing 2002 removes at least a portion of the
contaminants 2016 upstream of the filter housing 2004 and the
filter element 2020.
[0048] The filter housing 2004 forms a central compartment that is
structured to removably receive a filter element 2020. The filter
element 2020 includes filter media 2022 positioned between a first
end cap 2024 and a second end cap 2026. The filter media 2022 may
include any of the above-described filter media, including pleated
filter media or the like. In some arrangements, the filter element
2020 is a cylindrical filter element. In other arrangements, the
filter element 2020 is a conical filter element. The filter element
2020 is an inside-out flow filter media. Accordingly, air to be
filtered enters an inner space of the filter media 2022 that is
defined by a center tube 2027 of the filter element 2020. Air flows
into the inner space, through the center tube 2027 (e.g., through
perforations in the center tube 2027), through the filter media
2022, and out the outlet 2010. In some arrangements, the filter
element 2020 is a cylindrical filter element. The first end cap
2024 includes a seal that forms a seal against the filter housing
2004 and/or the pre-cleaner housing 2002 thereby preventing air
from bypassing the filter element 2020 as the air moves from the
inlet 2008 to the outlet 2010 along the air flow path direction
2006. The first end cap 2024 is an open end cap and the second end
cap 2026 is a closed end cap.
[0049] As shown in FIG. 20, the filter element 2020 includes a
vortex finder 2028. The vortex finder 2028 comprises a wall that
extends from the center tube 2027 beyond the first end cap 2024 in
an axial direction and extends into the pre-cleaner housing 2002.
In arrangements where the filter element 2020 is a cylindrical
filter element, the vortex finder 2028 comprises a circumferential
wall, with the circumferential wall forming an uninterrupted loop
(e.g., a circular uninterrupted loop). The vortex finder 2028
prevents contaminant 2016 separated from the air in the pre-cleaner
housing 2002 from entering the inner space of the filter media
2022. As noted above, the vortex finder 2028 is an extension of the
center tube 2027.
[0050] Referring to FIG. 21, a cross-sectional view of a filtration
system 2100 is shown according to an example embodiment. The
filtration system 2100 is similar to the above-described filtration
systems 1900 and 2000. Here, however, the filtration system 2100
includes a V-shaped filter element having an inside-out flow
pattern. The filtration system 2100 includes a pre-cleaner housing
2102 and a filter housing 2104. The pre-cleaner housing 2102 is
positioned upstream of the filter housing 2104 in an air flow path
direction 2106. The pre-cleaner housing 2102 includes an inlet 2108
that receives air to be filtered. The filter housing 2104 includes
an outlet 2110 that provides filtered air to a component (e.g., an
internal combustion engine). The pre-cleaner housing 2102 is
structured to cause the air flowing into the pre-cleaner housing
2102 through the inlet 2108 to move through the pre-cleaner housing
2102 in a swirling flow path (e.g., in a similar manner as
described above with respect to the filtration system 1900). As
such, the pre-cleaner housing 2102 may include at least one vane or
fin 2114 to induce the swirling flow of the air. The swirling flow
path separates at least a portion of the contaminants 2116 from the
air, such as dust and dirt, through the centrifugal force generated
by the swirling air flow path. The separated contaminants 2116 can
be removed from the pre-cleaner housing through a dust outlet 2118.
Accordingly, the pre-cleaner housing 2102 removes at least a
portion of the contaminants 2116 upstream of the filter housing
2104 and the filter element 2120.
[0051] The filter housing 2104 forms a central compartment that is
structured to removably receive a filter element 2120. The filter
element 2120 includes two panel filters 2122 (i.e., pleat blocks)
each having filter media and being arranged such that a
cross-section of the filter element 2120 has a V-shape. The panel
filters 2122 may be retained in the V-shape position by a frame.
The filter media of the panel filters 2122 may include any of the
above-described filter media, including pleated filter media or the
like. In other arrangements, the filter element 2120 includes
filter media arranged in a conical or cylindrical shape (e.g., as
described above with respect to FIG. 20). In some arrangements, the
frame includes a seal that forms a seal against the filter housing
2104 and/or the pre-cleaner housing 2102 thereby preventing air
from bypassing the filter element 2120 as the air moves from the
inlet 2108 to the outlet 2110 along the air flow path direction
2106.
[0052] As shown in FIG. 21, the filter element 2120 includes a
vortex finder 2128. The vortex finder 2128 comprises a wall that
extends from the filter element 2120 into the pre-cleaner housing
2102. The vortex finder 2128 prevents contaminant 2116 separated
from the air in the pre-cleaner housing 2102 from entering the
filter element 2120. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 21, the vortex
finder 2128 comprises a wall forming a circumferential loop, with a
longitudinal surface of the wall being curved. The vortex finder
2128 may be integrated with the filter element 2120 (e.g., as a
urethane or overmolded part coupled to the frame). In some
arrangements, the vortex finder 2128 is compressed between the
pre-cleaner housing 2102 and the filter housing 2104 thereby
creating an axial seal that prevents intake air from bypassing the
filter element 2120 and thereby holding the filter element 2120 in
place within the filter housing 2104.
[0053] Referring to FIG. 22, a cross-sectional view of a filtration
system 2200 is shown according to an example embodiment. The
filtration system 2200 is similar to the above-described filtration
system 2100. Here, however, the filtration system 2200 includes a
two-panel parallel arranged filter element having an outside-in
flow pattern. The filtration system 2200 includes a pre-cleaner
housing 2202 and a filter housing 2204. The pre-cleaner housing
2202 is positioned upstream of the filter housing 2204 in an air
flow path direction 2206. The pre-cleaner housing 2202 includes an
inlet 2208 that receives air to be filtered. The filter housing
2204 includes an outlet 2210 that provides filtered air to a
component (e.g., an internal combustion engine). The pre-cleaner
housing 2202 is structured to cause the air flowing into the
pre-cleaner housing 2202 through the inlet 2208 to move through the
pre-cleaner housing 2202 in a swirling flow path (e.g., in a
similar manner as described above with respect to the filtration
system 1900). As such, the pre-cleaner housing 2202 may include at
least one vane or fin 2214 to induce the swirling flow of the air.
The swirling flow path separates at least a portion of the
contaminants 2216 from the air, such as dust and dirt, through the
centrifugal force generated by the swirling air flow path. The
separated contaminants 2216 can be removed from the pre-cleaner
housing through a dust outlet 2218. Accordingly, the pre-cleaner
housing 2202 removes at least a portion of the contaminants 2216
upstream of the filter housing 2204 and the filter element
2220.
[0054] The filter housing 2204 forms a central compartment that is
structured to removably receive a filter element 2220. The filter
element 2220 includes filter media 2222 arranged in a cylindrical
manner. The filter media 2222 may include any of the
above-described filter media, including pleated filter media or the
like. In other arrangements, the filter element 2220 includes two
panel filters each having filter media 2222 and being arranged in a
parallel manner. In such arrangements, the panel filters may be
retained in the shown shape position by a frame. In further
arrangements, the filter media 2222 of the filter element 2220 is
arranged in a cylindrical or conical manner (e.g., as described
above with respect to FIG. 20). In some arrangements, the filter
element 2220 includes a frame that may include a seal that forms a
seal against the filter housing 2204 (shown at the bottom of the
filter housing 2204 adjacent to the outlet 2210) thereby preventing
air from bypassing the filter element 2220 as the air moves from
the inlet 2208 to the outlet 2210 along the air flow path direction
2206. A top portion 2219 of the frame closes off a top end of the
filter element 2220 adjacent to the pre-cleaner housing 2202 such
that intake air cannot pass into an inner space of the filter
element 2220 without first flowing through the filter media.
[0055] As shown in FIG. 22, the filter element 2220 includes a
vortex finder 2228. The vortex finder 2228 comprises a wall that
extends from the filter element 2220 into the pre-cleaner housing
2202. The vortex finder 2228 prevents contaminant 2216 separated
from the air in the pre-cleaner housing 2202 from entering the
filter element 2220. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 22, the vortex
finder 2228 comprises a wall forming a circumferential loop, with a
longitudinal surface of the wall being curved. The vortex finder
2228 may be integrated with the filter element 2220 (e.g., as a
urethane or overmolded part coupled to the frame). In some
arrangements, the vortex finder 2228 is compressed between the
pre-cleaner housing 2202 and the filter housing 2204 thereby
creating an axial seal that prevents intake air from bypassing the
filter element 2220 and thereby holding the filter element 2220 in
place within the filter housing 2204. Since the filter element 2220
is an outside-in flow filter element, the vortex finder includes a
plurality of openings 2230 that allow the intake air to flow
through the vortex finder 2228 to the outside of the filer element
2220 such that the intake air can then pass through the filter
media and out the outlet 2210.
[0056] Referring to FIG. 23, a cross-sectional view of a filtration
system 2300 is shown according to an example embodiment. The
filtration system 2300 is similar to the above-described filtration
system 2100. Here, however, the filtration system 2300 includes a
filter element having two parallel spaced apart pleat blocks that
allow for an inside-out flow pattern instead of the V-shaped filter
element 2120 of the filtration system 2100.
[0057] The filtration system 2300 includes a pre-cleaner housing
2302 and a filter housing 2304. The pre-cleaner housing 2302 is
positioned upstream of the filter housing 2304 in an air flow path
direction 2306. The pre-cleaner housing 2302 includes an inlet 2308
that receives air to be filtered. The filter housing 2304 includes
an outlet 2310 that provides filtered air to a component (e.g., an
internal combustion engine). Unlike the filtration system 2100, the
outlet 2310 is a side or radial outlet. The pre-cleaner housing
2302 is structured to cause the air flowing into the pre-cleaner
housing 2302 through the inlet 2308 to move through the pre-cleaner
housing 2302 in a swirling flow path (e.g., in a similar manner as
described above with respect to the filtration system 1900). As
such, the pre-cleaner housing 2302 may include at least one vane or
fin 2314 to induce the swirling flow of the air. The swirling flow
path separates at least a portion of the contaminants 2316 from the
air, such as dust and dirt, through the centrifugal force generated
by the swirling air flow path. The separated contaminants 2316 can
be removed from the pre-cleaner housing through a dust outlet 2318.
Accordingly, the pre-cleaner housing 2302 removes at least a
portion of the contaminants 2316 upstream of the filter housing
2304 and the filter element 2320.
[0058] The filter housing 2304 forms a central compartment that is
structured to removably receive a filter element 2320. The filter
element 2320 includes filter media 2322 arranged in a cylindrical
manner. The filter media 2322 may include any of the
above-described filter media, including pleated filter media or the
like. In other arrangements, the filter media 2322 is arranged as
two panel filters each having the filter media 2322 and being
arranged such that the panel filters are parallel to each other.
The panel filters may be retained in the shape by a frame. In
further arrangements, the filter media 2322 of the filter element
2320 is arranged in a cylindrical or conical manner (e.g., as
described above with respect to FIG. 20). The filter element 2320
includes a frame having a bottom endcap 2323. In some arrangements,
the frame includes a seal mechanism that forms a seal against the
filter housing 2304 and/or the pre-cleaner housing 2302, thereby
preventing air from bypassing the filter element 2320 as the air
moves from the inlet 2308 to the outlet 2310 along the flow path
2306. In some arrangements, the filter housing 2304 includes a
removable cover 2325. The removable cover 2325 receives the endcap
2323 when the filter element 2320 is installed in the filter
housing 2304.
[0059] As shown in FIG. 23, the filter element 2320 includes a
vortex finder 2328. The vortex finder 2328 comprises a wall that
extends from the filter element 2320 into the pre-cleaner housing
2302. The vortex finder 2328 prevents contaminant 2316 separated
from the air in the pre-cleaner housing 2302 from entering the
filter element 2320. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 23, the vortex
finder 2328 comprises a wall forming a circumferential loop, with a
longitudinal surface of the wall being curved. The vortex finder
2328 may be integrated with the filter element 2320 (e.g., as a
urethane or overmolded part coupled to the frame). In some
arrangements, the vortex finder 2328 is compressed between the
pre-cleaner housing 2302 and the filter housing 2304 thereby
creating an axial seal that prevents intake air from bypassing the
filter element 2320 and thereby holding the filter element 2320 in
place within the filter housing 2304.
[0060] Referring to FIG. 24, a cross-sectional view of a filtration
system 2400 is shown according to an example embodiment. The
filtration system 2400 is similar to the above-described filtration
systems 1900, 2000, 2100, 2200, and 2300. In this embodiment,
however, the filtration system 2400 includes a plurality of
pre-cleaners and vortex finders. The filtration system 2400
includes a pre-cleaner housing 2402 and a filter housing 2404. The
pre-cleaner housing 2402 is positioned upstream of the filter
housing 2404 in an air flow path direction 2406. The pre-cleaner
housing 2402 includes a plurality of air inlets 2408 that receives
air to be filtered. The filter housing 2404 includes an outlet 2410
that provides filtered air to a component (e.g., an internal
combustion engine). The pre-cleaner housing 2402 is structured to
cause the air flowing into the pre-cleaner housing 2402 through the
inlet 2408 to move through the pre-cleaner housing 2402 in a
swirling flow path (e.g., in a similar manner as described above
with respect to the filtration system 1900). As such, each of the
inlets 2408 has an associated swirler 2414 (e.g., at least one vane
or fin) that induces the swirling flow of the air. The swirling
flow path separates at least a portion of the contaminants 2416
from the air, such as dust and dirt, through the centrifugal force
generated by the swirling air flow path. The separated contaminants
2416 can be removed from the pre-cleaner housing through a dust
outlet 2418. Accordingly, the pre-cleaner housing 2402 removes at
least a portion of the contaminants 2416 upstream of the filter
housing 2404 and the filter element 2420.
[0061] The filter housing 2404 forms a central compartment that is
structured to removably receive a filter element 2420. The filter
element 2420 includes filter media arranged in a pleat block 2422.
The filter media may be retained in the shape shown in FIG. 24 by a
frame. The filter media of the pleat block 2422 may include any of
the above-described filter media, including tetrahedral filter
media, fluted filter media, pleated filter media, or the like. In
some arrangements, the frame includes a seal that forms a seal
against the filter housing 2404 and/or the pre-cleaner housing 2402
thereby preventing air from bypassing the filter element 2420 as
the air moves from the inlet 2408 to the outlet 2410 along the air
flow path direction 2406.
[0062] As shown in FIG. 24, the filter element 2420 includes a
vortex finder 2428. In some arrangements, each of the inlets 2408
includes an associated vortex finder 2428. The vortex finder 2428
comprises a wall that extends from the filter element 2420 into the
pre-cleaner housing 2402. The vortex finder 2428 prevents
contaminant 2416 separated from the air in the pre-cleaner housing
2402 from entering the filter element 2420. The vortex finder 2428
may be integrated with the filter element 2420 (e.g., as a urethane
or overmolded part coupled to the frame). Accordingly, inspection
of the filter housing 2404 is easier because the vortex finder 2428
is not affixed to the filter housing 2404. In some arrangements,
the vortex finder 2428 is compressed between the pre-cleaner
housing 2402 and the filter housing 2404 thereby creating an axial
seal that prevents intake air from bypassing the filter element
2420 and thereby holding the filter element 2420 in place within
the filter housing 2404.
[0063] Any of the above-described filter elements of FIG. 19
through FIG. 23 may be modified to include a plurality of smaller
pre-cleaners and corresponding vortex finders as shown in FIG. 24
as opposed to the large preclear and corresponding vortex finder
shown in FIGS. 19 through 23.
[0064] Referring to FIGS. 25A and 25B, views of a vortex finder
2500 are shown. FIG. 25A shows a top view of the vortex finder
2500. FIG. 25B shows a side cross-sectional view of the vortex
finder 2500. The vortex finder 2500 functions in the same manner as
described above with respect to the vortex finders of filtration
systems 1900-2400. Accordingly, the vortex finder 2500 may be used
in place of the vortex finders of any of filtration systems
1900-2400. The vortex finder 2500 includes a main body 2502. The
main body 2502 defines a top opening 2504 and a bottom opening
2506. The vortex finder 2500 includes a handle 2508 that extends
across the top opening 2504. In some arrangements, the handle 2508
is rotated 90 degrees from the orientation shown in FIGS. 25A and
25B thereby aligning the thinner portion of the handle 2508 in the
direction of flow, which would pose less blockage to flow through
the vortex finder 2500. When the vortex finder 2500 is coupled to a
filter element, the handle 2508 provides a gripping area for a
technician that is either installing the filter element into a
filter housing or removing the filter element from the filter
housing.
[0065] Referring to FIGS. 26A and 26B, views of a vortex finder
2600 are shown. FIG. 26A shows a top view of the vortex finder
2600. FIG. 26B shows a side cross-sectional view of the vortex
finder 2600. The vortex finder 2600 functions in the same manner as
described above with respect to the vortex finders of filtration
systems 1900-2400. Accordingly, the vortex finder 2600 may be used
in place of the vortex finders of any of filtration systems
1900-2400. The vortex finder 2600 includes a main body 2602. The
main body 2602 defines a top opening 2604 and a bottom opening
2606. The vortex finder 2600 includes a plurality of de-swirl vanes
2608 that extends across the top opening 2604. In an alternate
arrangement, the plurality of de-swirl vanes 2608 can be positioned
across the bottom opening 2606 or at a position between the top
opening 2604 and the bottom opening 2606. The plurality of de-swirl
vanes 2608 change the air flow through the filtration system from a
swirling flow (as caused by the pre-cleaner of the filtration
system) back into an axial flow. In doing so, the plurality of
de-swirl vanes 2608 reduce the pressure drop through the filtration
system. The described de-swirl vanes 2608 can be included in any of
the above-described filtration systems.
[0066] Any of the above described vortex finders, vortex finders
1928, 2028, 2128, 2228, 2328, 2428, 2500, and 2600, can be modified
for filtration systems having different arrangements. For example,
the vortex finders can be modified to work with a pre-cleaner
housing that includes a tangential air inlet instead of the axial
flow air inlet shown in FIGS. 19 through 24. Additionally, the
described vortex finders can be constructed as a detachable
component from the filter element such that the vortex finder can
be reused with replacement filter elements.
[0067] It should be noted that any use of the term "example" herein
to describe various embodiments is intended to indicate that such
embodiments are possible examples, representations, and/or
illustrations of possible embodiments (and such term is not
intended to connote that such embodiments are necessarily
extraordinary or superlative examples).
[0068] The terms "coupled" and the like as used herein mean the
joining of two members directly or indirectly to one another. Such
joining may be stationary (e.g., permanent) or moveable (e.g.,
removable or releasable). Such joining may be achieved with the two
members or the two members and any additional intermediate members
being integrally formed as a single unitary body with one another
or with the two members or the two members and any additional
intermediate members being attached to one another.
[0069] References herein to the positions of elements (e.g., "top,"
"bottom," "above," "below," etc.) am merely used to describe the
orientation of various elements in the FIGURES. It should be noted
that the orientation of various elements may differ according to
other example embodiments, and that such variations are intended to
be encompassed by the present disclosure.
[0070] It is important to note that the construction and
arrangement of the various example embodiments are illustrative
only. Although only a few embodiments have been described in detail
in this disclosure, those skilled in the art who review this
disclosure will readily appreciate that many modifications are
possible (e.g., variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes
and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters,
mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations,
etc.) without materially departing from the novel teachings and
advantages of the subject matter described herein. For example,
elements shown as integrally formed may be constructed of multiple
parts or elements, the position of elements may be reversed or
otherwise varied, and the nature or number of discrete elements or
positions may be altered or varied. The order or sequence of any
process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to
alternative embodiments. Additionally, features from particular
embodiments may be combined with features from other embodiments as
would be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art. Other
substitutions, modifications, changes and omissions may also be
made in the design, operating conditions and arrangement of the
various example embodiments without departing from the scope of the
present invention.
* * * * *